Dynasty maker LeBron James agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers hours after he became a free agent on July 1. The 33-year-old, 6 ft. 8 in. power forward agreed to a 4-year, $154 million contract with the Lakers on Sunday.
A few more details have to be ironed out, but the former Cleveland Cavalier could sign a new contract as early as Friday, according to the Chicago Tribune. Lebron’s contract includes an opt out clause after the 3rd year.
In contrast to LeBron’s much-hyped televised “South Beach” announcement in 2000, LeBron’s agent issued a short press release announcing LeBron’s new deal on Sunday.
LeBron, whose government name is LeBron Raymone James Sr., will join former Golden State Warriors center JaVale McGee and former Indiana Pacers guard/forward Lance Stephenson, who signed a one-year deal with the Lakers on Sunday.
Sports analysts predicted LeBron would land in Houston, Philadelphia, or even Boston with his former teammate Kyrie Irving, but the overwhelming bookmaker odds favored Los Angeles. LeBron already owns a home in Brentwood and he was seen arriving at Van Nuys Airport in the hours before he became a free agent.
Lakers president of basketball operations Magic Johnson sealed the deal during a late night meeting at LeBron’s Brentwood mansion on Saturday. The Hall of Famer is putting together a dynasty that already includes Lakers superstar guard Lonzo Ball (pictured left) to take on the defending champs Golden State. Speculation is rampant that Magic will sign San Antonio Spurs’ holdout Kawhi Leonard, 27.
Rumors that Oklahoma Thunder guard Paul George was heading home to Los Angeles were dashed when he re-signed with the Thunder.
Photos by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images, Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images, Jason Miller/Getty Image
